Hard Vision |
June / July 2008Cantankerous Titles & Obscure Emphemera, Volume 1 | $100 Dollars & a T-Shirt | Neil Young | Greg Lake | Stanley Jordan Trio | Robben Ford | Autour du Blues Meets Larry Carlton & Guest Robben Ford CANTANKEROUS TITLES & OBSCURE EPHEMERA This was a collection of short films that did nothing for me. I mean do I really want to know or care about why they make traffic patterns. The little film about board games was OK, but this was just a very boring DVD that had subjects that I nor would I think many people would like or be interested in. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com $ 100 AND A T-SHIRT Now with me doing a zine myself (Metal Core), this DVD was right up my alley. Now this isn't about death metal zines, it is more about zines in general and had to be filmed a few years back cause zines are pretty much a dying breed nowadays, but there is still lots doing web zines and such. You get interviews with a bunch of people and you also get the history of zines and where people publish and why people do them, etc. This was very interesting in due to the fact that not many people have ever focused on this sort of subject and I just found this very fascinating. A really cool and different sort of DVD. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com Neil Young This 30 year chunk of the legendary rocker's career is profiled in the (unauthorized) documentary. A number of well known rock writers/journalists and other "insiders" offer their commentary on his music and his career. Every album from this period, beginning with "American Stars And Bars", is discussed in detail. The featured people comment on not only the music and what they think of it, but also its impact and significance to music and the world in general, and how what was happening in the world and in Young's personal life, influenced how he wrote his music. Everyone talks about the ups and downs of each album, and of Neil's life and career. Neil was always afraid to repeat himself, so he always tried to make each of albums radically different from the last one. Each album was kind of a "departure" for him. This sometimes confused his fans, sometimes even left them out and out disappointed. Neil lost his footing and regained it again several times during his career. Just when it looked like things were over for him, he would make an album that would rescue and re-establish his career. How he earned the title "Godfather Of Grunge" is also discussed, but one reporter vehemently disagrees with this. Also mentioned is how Kurt Cobain quoted a Neil Young lyric in his suicide note. It's ironic how the so-called "Godfather Of Grunge" was also (indirectly) involved with its demise. Then we move on to some of Neil's more recent work, which could sometimes be self-indulgent. Some believe that Neil has "lost it", no longer has a part to play in music, and that he's just resting on his laurels now. That's an arguable point, but there's no denying Neil's talent, impact, and influence on music. The man is a living legacy and has a musical style that's all his own. This is an interesting insight into this part of his career. A Neil Young quiz is also included as a bonus item. Look out, this one's a tuffie! Greg Lake This is a rare backstage glimpse at the prog rock godfather and his band, rehearsing and jamming. One might think that watching a band practicing isn't very exciting, but this is in fact quite enjoyable. It's interesting to see the band in action backstage, and they play brilliantly, just as good as you would expect them to at a regualr concert. Greg's a legend, and his talents are already widely known, so there's no need to discuss that. He does have a very good band backing him up. One musician that really stood out was his "shotgun" guitarist Florian Opakle. This guy is a brilliant guitarist. I dare say he's right up there with Greg in terms of talent. His playing in the song "Take A Pebble" was especially good. Greg's keyboardists, Josh Grafton and David Arch, are also really good. And of course there's Greg himself, but that goes without saying. He's still as brilliant as ever after all these years. One standout song was the powerful, moving ballad, "A Farewell To Arms". Greg sings his heart out on this one, is backed up very well by the band, and it has a strong message. Another beautiful ballad is included in "I Believe In Father Christmas". And of course there's that timeless fan favorite, "Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends". That's just about mandatory. When they finish playing that number, Greg comments on how hard it is to play. "And that's just one song." More commentary and interviews by Greg, his band, and production team are scattered throughout the DVD between songs. Mind you, this isn't a very long DVD, only 45 minutes. However, it's still very cool to see the band at work backstage, something a little different, and they all play and sing brilliantly. For a rehearsal, they put on a pretty amazing performance. There are also some fun facts and comments from Greg and his "posse". Fans should especially dig this. STANLEY JORDAN TRIO This was one hell of a release. Stanley Jordan does so many things with the guitar it isn't funny. He shows you the famous 2 handed technique and he plays "Yesterday" by The Beatles like it was never done before. This was filmed in an intimate setting and the camera work is unholy and the band he has backing him is tight and the songs just flow and if your a fan of blues/jazz or this man, this is A MUST GET. Over 2 hours of footage, interviews and other goodies. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com ROBBEN FORD This is one amazing DVD. Robben plays the guitar with such passion and emotion, you can just feel it as the notes flick off the guitar. The camera work is perfect, it almost lets you feel your in the front rock. The music is jazz with a rock edge and i loved every note. The tunes just flowed like a river and the sound and intimate setting, just made me love this that much more. I have never heard of Robben or his music, but after watching this I became a fan. Awesome DVD. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com AUTOUR DU BLUES MEETS LARRY CARLTON & GUEST ROBBEN FORD This was a really awesome blues/rock/jazz DVD. You get all these wonderful musicians that get togetyher to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this club over in Paris, France. The sound quality and picture quality is excellent and each member shines in his respective role. Over 90 minutes of jamming, playing and just great music is found on this and it also looks like everybody is having a grand ole time, which to me, is what this style of music is all about. These guys can play and it shows on this and this just drips with guitar playing. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com |